Eden Artists & Users - Wesley Cole Switzer

Wesley Cole Switzer - Boston Baked Bass

As a sought after master of his instrument, Wesley Cole Switzer is currently recording and performing with some of the Northeast's top musicians. In 2005/2006, Switzer has built a resume that includes performances on national tours, and study and performances with Matt Garrison of the Herbie Hancock Band, as well as with Anthony Wellington of the Victor Wooten Band. Additionally, his consistent gigs include The Garrison Delight (recently signed to Wax On Felt Records), The Brooke Parrott Band (Ten Till Six Records) -Rebecca Muir (as seen at the 60th Anniversary Concert with Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock), Juri Jinnai; Neo-Souls, and Average Bear.

As a second-generation musician, Switzer began playing bass under his father's eye at the age of five. He quickly developed a unique, fluid playing style, often being called "rubber hands." At the age of 15, Cole began performing in the San Diego Hip Hop scene with Liquid American Culture, a jazz-fusion based hip-hop group, led by HeadPhones Jones, previously of Black Market Disciples. Switzer also was a regular session bassist at both DML Studios and The Lab Records. (As I Lay Dieing, Blink 182, Finch)

In early 2003, Cole met Anthony Wellington of the Victor Wooten Band, and began to study advanced slap and tapping techniques. Later that year, Switzer received a scholarship to continue his studies. However, before moving to Boston, Switzer relocated to Nashville where he worked as a session player. Also, Wesley Cole received the "Carl Thompson 10 Million Dollar Bass" -which has been recognized as lutheir Carl Thompson's (Les Claypool, Stanley Clarke) finest work.

In 2004, Wesley Cole arrived in Boston and began studies with blues/rock bass legend Danny Morris (Calypso Hurricane, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and James Cotton) Switzer first joined the groove based group Average Bear, and recorded "Jambandana" shortly thereafter, which included Switzer's unique grooves as well as his "funk stick" chopstick finger playing. The album was recognized by local bassist Tony Levin, (Peter Gabriel Band) -and several performances in upstate New York came as result. Later in the year, Wesley began work with Matt Garrison, adopting many of his techniques, and has been studying under Garrison ever since.

As a songwriter, Wesley Cole released his solo debut album Dreaming In Subtitles as an independent release. Less than a year later, the album was found by famed engineer/producer Michael Woodrum of SoundMoves Audio (Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Linkin Park, Mary J. Blige, Prince) and Switzer released the follow up album, "Humble Me" which featured Rebecca Muir on vocals, and has received great success, both with fans and in the press. This led to a national tour, sharing the stage with Kyle Cook of Matchbox 20.

Switzer continues to work as a session player in the Boston area, as well as working nightly as one of the most in demand live performers. He currently performs consistently with The Brooke Parrott Band, a trio featuring Italian drummer Francesco Basile on drums, which blends blues, jazz, and pop, led by pianist and songwriter Brooke Parrott, under TenTill Six Records. With Rebecca Muir, Switzer holds down soul/blues roots, as Rebecca Muir is currently performing as one of the biggest names in the Berklee community. (Berklee Singers Showcase, 60th Anniversary Concert, Berklee Commencement). Live, with Garrison Delight, Switzer helped the group win a contract under Wax On Felt Records, and they are currently recording their album at SanctumSound Studios The album is set for an early 2007 release. Also due out this year is a live recording taken from several dates in Tokyo with Jri Jinnai's NeoSouls.

To make sure he always gets the tone he needs, Cole uses our WT1205 powering D210XST and D410XST cabinets. "I play Eden," he says, "because it allows me to have MY tone whether I'm taking a jazz solo on my fretless 5, or a slap funk solo on my fretted 4. Put simply, it lets me be me, and I wouldn't leave home without Eden!"